I am deeply grateful for the healing of a growth on my face. Through steadfastness in Truth and the work of a devoted practitioner, this growth was completely removed through Christian Science. It was difficult to get rid of fear because the growth seemed to exhibit symptoms of a dread disease. When I called a Christian Science practitioner for help, she pointed out Mary Baker Eddy's statement (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 68): "Christian Science presents unfoldment, not accretion." It was not an accumulation of matter that had to be removed but thought that had to be changed. I knew that I was not working to get rid of a condition of matter but was working for unfoldment of spiritual understanding in order to free consciousness of accumulated matter-beliefs.
Several stages of unfoldment took place. I became aware upon waking in the morning that I had been indulging in the habit of ruminating over yesterday's problems. This kind of thinking robbed me of joy. Earnestly I endeavored to declare upon waking (Ps. 118:24), "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." As I learned to turn everything over to God, I found both freedom to act in the present and restoration of the joy of each new day.
There seemed to be no change in the outward appearance. In fact, for several years the growth became larger. There was a struggle not to be overwhelmed by discouragement and depression. The problem was always there, and nothing seemed to yield. "Why art thou cast down?" (Ps. 42:5) I asked myself. I had so much for which to be grateful in the steadfast, loving support of my husband and family and the patient, faithful work of the practitioner. But I felt a cloud hanging over me, and I did not seem to be able to break through the illusion.
